Czech Republic Travel Guide

• In the Czech Republic, tipping is not obligatory. Typically, it’s customary to round up the bill or leave around 10% of the total as a tip in restaurants, cafes, and bars if you received good service. In more casual settings like pubs, it’s common to round up the bill to the nearest convenient amount simply. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also appreciated but not strictly expected. Credit cards are used, but some restaurants and cafes in Prague still only allow cash payments. In Prague, we use Apple Pay often.
• In the Czech Republic, people generally dress in a style that blends casual comfort with a touch of elegance. In urban areas like Prague, you’ll see a range of fashion choices from trendy and modern to classic and sophisticated.
  For everyday wear, both men and women often opt for well-fitted jeans or trousers paired with stylish tops or shirts. Women may also wear dresses or skirts, especially in warmer months. Footwear tends to be practical yet chic, such as sneakers, flats, or ankle boots.
  In more formal settings like business meetings or upscale restaurants, Czechs tend to dress smartly. Men might wear suits or blazers with dress shirts and polished shoes, while women often opt for dresses, skirts, or trousers paired with blouses or smart tops. Overall, Czech fashion reflects a balance of practicality and style, with an emphasis on neatness and appropriateness for the occasion.
• Driving in the Czech Republic is generally straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind: Road Conditions: Major highways and roads are well-maintained, but rural roads can be narrower and less well-lit. Potholes can be a concern in some areas, especially after winter. Traffic Laws: Drivers must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle registration. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and children under 150 cm must use appropriate child seats. Speed limits are strictly enforced, with urban areas typically limited to 50 km/h and highways to 130 km/h. Road Signs and Navigation: Road signs follow international standards, with most signs in both Czech and English. GPS navigation is widely available and reliable. Parking: Paid parking zones are standard in city centers. Look for designated parking areas and pay attention to parking signs to avoid fines or towing. Driving Etiquette: Czech drivers generally follow traffic rules. They keep right except to pass on highways and yield to trams and pedestrians in cities. Overtaking on the right is prohibited except in slow-moving traffic. Alcohol Limit: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0% for drivers under 21 and 0.2% for all other drivers. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly enforced and can result in severe penalties.
• The Czech Republic offers a high quality of life across several key areas. Its healthcare system is well-developed, providing accessible and affordable medical care through both public and private options. Education is robust, with strong public schooling and internationally respected higher education institutions like Charles University. The country is known for its safety, boasting low crime rates, and a stable political environment. Modern infrastructure supports efficient transportation and connectivity, while a moderate cost of living makes it appealing for residents and expatriates alike. Culturally, the Czech Republic excels with its rich heritage, offering ample opportunities for leisure activities and exploration of historical landmarks and natural beauty. Overall, the Czech Republic presents a compelling package of amenities, safety, cultural richness, and affordability, contributing to its reputation as a desirable place to live.
• Public restrooms in the Czech Republic vary in quality depending on the location. In cities like Prague, facilities are generally clean and well-maintained, found in shopping malls, restaurants, and tourist spots, albeit often requiring a small fee for use. However, in rural areas and smaller towns, restroom facilities may be more basic and less frequent. Travelers are advised to plan, primarily when outside major cities, to ensure access to suitable restroom facilities.
• The Czech Republic has a rich historical and cultural heritage, visible in its medieval towns, castles, and UNESCO World Heritage sites like Prague Castle and Český Krumlov. Respect for historical landmarks and cultural sites is important.
• While many Czechs speak English, especially in tourist areas, learning a few basic Czech phrases (like greetings and thank you) shows respect for the local culture and can enhance interactions.
• Czech cuisine is hearty and typically includes dishes like goulash, roast pork with dumplings, and traditional pastries. Beer is a significant part of Czech culture, with the country being famous for its breweries and beer festivals.
• Czechs appreciate politeness and respect in social interactions. It’s customary to greet with a handshake, use titles and surnames when addressing people formally, and remove shoes when entering someone’s home.
• The Czech Republic has a strong tradition in classical music, with composers like Dvořák and Smetana being celebrated. Artistic expression, particularly in literature and visual arts, also holds cultural significance.
• Traditional festivals, such as Easter markets, Christmas markets, and folk festivals (like the UNESCO-listed folklore festival in Strážnice), are integral parts of Czech cultural life and offer insights into local traditions and customs.
• Greetings in the Czech Republic are characterized by politeness and formality. The most common greetings include “Dobrý den” for a good day and “Dobrý večer” for a good evening, used formally in most situations. Informally, “Ahoj” is used among friends. Handshakes are customary, particularly in formal or business contexts, while informal greetings like cheek kisses are reserved for closer relationships. Addressing individuals with their titles and surnames demonstrates respect, especially in formal settings. Understanding and using these greetings appropriately can facilitate positive interactions and show cultural awareness when visiting the Czech Republic.
• Czechs generally have a positive attitude towards dogs, considering them as beloved companions and often treating them as members of the family. Dogs are commonly seen in parks, on walks around neighborhoods, and in outdoor seating areas of cafes and restaurants. There is also a strong tradition of responsible dog ownership, including cleaning up after pets in public spaces. However, it’s essential to be mindful of any specific rules or regulations regarding dogs in certain areas or establishments, as these can vary. Overall, dogs are warmly embraced in Czech culture, contributing to the country’s pet-friendly environment.
• Table manners in the Czech Republic emphasize politeness and respect for dining etiquette. Upon seating, wait for guidance or take cues from the host. Use utensils correctly—forks in the left hand, knives in the right—and keep pace with the meal. Begin eating only after everyone is served, and engage in light conversation while avoiding sensitive topics. Toasting with “Na zdraví” (To your health) is customary, and use “prosím” (please) and “děkuji” (thank you) when requesting or receiving items. When finished, place utensils together on the plate to signal completion. These practices ensure a harmonious dining experience and demonstrate cultural sensitivity to Czech dining customs.
• Czech society tends to lean towards liberalism, particularly in social and cultural aspects. This is reflected in attitudes towards issues such as LGBT rights, gender equality, and personal freedoms. The country has a history of secularism and a relatively low level of religious influence compared to some other European nations. However, like many societies, there is diversity in political and social views among Czechs, and opinions can vary widely depending on individual backgrounds, regions, and generations.
• When visiting someone in their home, it is customary to bring flowers or a small gift, such as chocolate, books, wine, or candy.
• In general, Czechs tend to value modesty and humility over ostentatious displays of wealth. Showing off wealth or material possessions excessively may not be well-received and could be seen as distasteful or pretentious. Czech society often appreciates practicality, sincerity, and a down-to-earth demeanor. While there is variation among individuals, especially in urban areas influenced by global trends, a more reserved approach to wealth is typically appreciated in Czech culture.
• It is a safe country with low crime.

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